It seems as though every Google app is getting an upgrade during I/O, and Google Earth is no exception, with version 7 now available to download through the Play Store.

The latest version includes a new feature called Tour Guide, which highlights all of the places a city has to offer, both to tourists and locals. For example, if you're in Rome, the app will point out places such as the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, two spots that are very popular with tourists.

To access Tour Guide, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal a series of tab-like options which you can then select to look at in closer detail.

Also available in the latest version is 3D imagery, which allows you to fly through 3D recreations of select cities. The list currently includes San Francisco, Boston and Rome, with more cities becoming available in the coming weeks.

You will only be able to take advantage of the 3D imagery feature if your phone has a dual-core processor, so if you have an older device, you may not be in luck.

The update is, of course, free, and you can download it right now from the Play Store.

John's been addicted to technology ever since he tinkered with his first custom built PC when he was 10 years old. He's also the proud owner of seven Amazon Kindles, but only because he destroyed the first six.

I believe it's because the new Google Earth requires a dual-core processor.

Jay Perkinson

Odd thing is the phone came with Google Earth installed. Other Google apps preinstalled show up in market as an available download. Even if this is not compatible, should there not be something showing for 6? (what I have)

http://codytoombs.wordpress.com/ Cody Toombs

I wonder if they have a goal to eventually integrate Schemer into this. I'm sorta doubting it (I still think Schemer is on the edge of being shut down), but this is exactly what I thought the original intent of Schemer would be, crowd-sourced local highlights and recommendations for tourists.